The Life of Padre Pio: Between the Altar and the Confessional

by Gennaro Preziuso

Between the Altar and the Confessional

241 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 1999

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to learn about his life for a while now, and this was a good book to do it. Decent hagiography without being overly/piously sugary.

[Br. John Mary Lauderdale OFM Cap · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, succinct biography of Padre Pio which avoids sensationalism.

[Sharon Dorival · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to live.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

My interest in this book grew from an interest in learning more about this great 20th century saint as well as the various controversies surrounding his life and ministry. Preziuso's hagiography does not omit the controversies-- indeed, he discusses at length the medical examinations of Padre Pio's stigmata-- but in some cases the treatment is brief and simplistic. That said, this is a work aimed not at proposing explanations, but rather at probing the essence of the spiritual life of Padre Pio. To this end the author is mostly successful, and Catholics with varying degrees of knowledge about Padre Pio will find this work enriching.

It is necessary to note that the translation from Italian is not always perfect, and the inclusion by the author of lengthy excerpts of primary sources (such as PP's diary, eulogies, and Vatican documents) tends to be repetitive more than illuminating. These drawbacks, however, should not discourage a curious reader from discovering the story of this humble, inspiring saint.